THE heavenly seal of approval will be put on renovations to one of Tamworth’s favourite old op shops on Saturday at 10am.

Reverend Bill Fischer, along with Tamworth Regional councillor Helen Tickle (representing mayor Col Murray), will be on hand to officially open and dedicate the newly refurbished premises in Darling St, from where the Uniting Church Opportunity Shop conducts business.

With the renovations, which mainly include sturdy, purpose-built shelving, the shop is now able to carry 50 per cent more stock, which it sells at very reasonable prices to the public.

And there’s no shortage of volunteers at this op shop, with 70 people on the books co-ordinator Judy Philips can phone at any time to come in for a shift.

One of them, 87-year-old Mavis Chaffey, is an original, having been volunteering her services at the Uniting Church op shop for 37 years.

And she can remember the six moves around town – west and east – until it found its present home a dozen or so years ago in Darling St.

Mrs Chaffey said the clientele had changed dramatically over the years and the church was happy to help anyone who came through the doors, dealing with each person with dignity.

New signage out the front and new work and shop spaces have been created, thanks to the Innovative Community Grant from Uniting Care Ageing, which Reverend Fischer said was more than they had asked for.

“We asked for $9000 and were given $13,000, which has been put to very good use, creating and refurbishing sorting and selling areas,” Reverend Fischer said.

“We were very fortunate with the grant money, as we didn’t have to put any of our own money into it.”